The Insolvency Service started accepting applications to become a PIP during June 2013. There will be an application fee of €1500 and a renewal fee of €1000 annually. You can make your application here

According to the Insolvency Service of Ireland – only the following types of people can make an application to carry on practice as a personal insolvency practitioner

A solicitor in respect of whom a practising certificate (within the meaning of the Solicitors Acts 1954 to 2011) is in force; or

A barrister at law called to the Bar of Ireland;

A qualified accountant and a member of a prescribed accountancy body (within the meaning of section 4 of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003; or

A qualified financial advisor who holds a current qualification from the Life Insurance Association of Ireland (LIA), the Insurance Institute or the Institute of Bankers School of Professional Finance; or

Anyone who holds a qualification in law, business, finance or other appropriate similar qualification to the satisfaction of the Insolvency Service recognised to at least level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (or equivalent)

ALSO – the person must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Insolvency Service that he or she has relevant knowledge and experience of and has completed a course of study and passed an examination on the law and practice generally as it applies in the State relating to the insolvency of individuals; and the Act

PLUS – Before someone can become a Personal Insolvency Practitioner, they must aslo satisfy the Insolvency Service that he or she:

a) has adequate organisational capability and resources to carry on the practise of a Personal Insolvency Practitioner